X-MEN GOLD #22 focuses too much on reusing past villains instead of concentrating on a few developed characters. Rachel in particular gets cheated after being on the cover but having only a few lines of dialogue within the issue. Read Full Review

Mesmero hoodwinks the X-Men thoroughly, but at least his victory isn't quite as quick as the last issue suggested. I credit the writer for redeeming a low point there. The art continues to deliver smooth top-shelf storytelling. For one issue, at least, this title's got all its plates spinning smoothly. This would be really good if the plates (i.e. plot threads) were more engaging. Even though the plots leave me saying "meh," I can respect that they're manipulated in an above-average fashion here.